HUMAS USU – Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) welcomed a delegation from the National Institute of Parasitic Diseases (NIPD) for a meeting to explore opportunities for collaboration in health research and technology development on Tuesday (July 7, 2026), at the USU Rector's Meeting Room. The discussion focused on strengthening international research partnerships, particularly in the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based technology to support malaria control and elimination efforts in Indonesia.

USU Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Collaboration, Prof. Dr. Eng. Himsar Ambarita, S.T., M.T., explained that research collaborations with clear objectives aligned with government priorities have significant potential to be developed through various joint funding schemes. One such opportunity is applying for research funding through the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP) to ensure the sustainability of collaborative research initiatives.

"Research collaborations with clear objectives that align with government programs have strong potential to be developed through joint funding schemes, including opportunities to secure funding from LPDP," said Prof. Himsar.

During the meeting, Dr. Shan Lyu, Director of the Global Health Center and representative of the NIPD delegation, presented opportunities for collaboration with USU in developing AI-based malaria diagnostic technology. The technology is expected to enable faster, more accurate, and real-time malaria detection, thereby strengthening disease control systems and accelerating Indonesia's national malaria elimination program.

"USU holds a strategic position as a partner in health research and technology development. We hope that the research outcomes generated through this collaboration will contribute to malaria control efforts in endemic regions across Indonesia," he said.

Although malaria incidence in Sumatra is relatively lower than in eastern Indonesia, USU remains strategically positioned as a partner in health research and technological innovation. Through this collaboration, the innovations developed are expected not only to benefit Sumatra but also to be implemented in malaria-endemic regions throughout Indonesia.

The collaboration between USU and the National Institute of Parasitic Diseases (NIPD) represents a strategic step toward strengthening international research networks in the health sector. By leveraging AI technology, both institutions aim to develop innovative solutions for malaria diagnosis, disease control, and the acceleration of malaria elimination efforts across Indonesia.